Israel has carried out airstrikes on Syrian army positions in Damascus and Suwayda amid rising sectarian violence in southern Syria, particularly between Druze militias and pro-government forces. In Gaza, Israel’s ongoing siege has worsened a humanitarian crisis, with at least 21 people killed at a US- and Israeli-backed food distribution center, and UN agencies reporting widespread child malnutrition. Gaza’s Health Ministry cites over 58,000 deaths and 139,000 injuries from Israeli attacks, while Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023 killed around 1,139 people. The U.S. has expressed concern and urged Israel to halt strikes, but Israel warned it would escalate if Syrian forces do not withdraw.
The Israeli military has targeted the Syrian army headquarters in Damascus, alongside launching additional strikes on Syrian forces in the southern city of Suwayda.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that at least 21 people were killed at a food distribution center operated by the controversial US- and Israeli-backed GHF in southern Gaza.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees warns that one in ten children screened in its Gaza clinics are malnourished, as Israel’s ongoing siege fuels a worsening, man-made starvation crisis.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s war on Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 58,479 people and injured 139,355. In comparison, the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, killed an estimated 1,139 people and resulted in the capture of over 200 individuals.
Syria is facing a renewed surge of deadly sectarian violence, with growing tensions between the Druze minority and the government drawing increased attention—and prompting Israeli involvement.
Clashes this week between pro-government forces and Druze militias in the southern city of Suwayda left dozens dead, leading to a Syrian military intervention. In response, Israel launched fresh airstrikes, citing its commitment to protect the Druze community, and signaling an expanding presence in southern Syria.
The United States has called the situation "worrisome," according to Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy for Syria, and has reportedly urged Israel to halt its strikes. However, on Wednesday, Israel warned it would escalate its attacks if Syrian forces did not pull back.
